Taber’s business environment going strong in 2024: TDCC

Posted on October 24, 2024 by Taber Times

By Trevor Busch
Taber Times
editor@tabertimes.com

As a highlight for Small Business Week, Taber remains an attractive environment for business and investment, says the president of the Taber and District Chamber of Commerce.

“I would describe the heath of local small business community in a very positive light, we are seeing growth in numerous industries across the region,” said TDCC president Jared Bell. “We have a wide range of people and organizations that have been promoting our region over 5-10 years and we are starting to see these efforts pay off.”

Development has been underway in the community in 2024, and several retailers will be opening their doors soon.

“There are several new large, big box retailers that are in the process of developing a footprint in the Town of Taber, as well as several large quick service food service restaurants that are in the process of building locations in the town as well. There is a large fuel service facility being built in the northwest part of the town as well,” said Bell.

Cornfest remains a key event for the TDCC, but this isn’t all the chamber is involved in throughout a given year.

“The chamber has been focused on our local first initiatives to continue to drive business amongst chamber members, we continue to organize events like Winter Festival with the goals of driving business to the downtown core, Cornfest continues to be a big event for the town and local business, we see a huge influx of people during this event,” said Bell. We also continue to host the chamber annual dinner and awards banquet to recognize the many businesses in the town and surrounding area that have had an impact on the community through the year.”

A perfect storm of positive influences continues to make the community a good place to invest and succeed.

“Taber is seeing immense growth that will continue in the years to come, agriculture and agribusiness continue to grow in the area which has spin off effects in the town as a whole,” said Bell. “Town and MD administration continue to work together for the betterment of the area as a whole and are actively seeking new and creative ways to address both the opportunities coming our way and challenges that come with them. Taber is also a close knit, community-minded town, we support local business and find ways to grow together.”

Bell continues to view Taber as an economically diverse and commercially vibrant area.

“Yes, I do. We continue to see new and exciting business coming to Taber that serve different needs and operate in different industries. I would like to see the chamber continue to be an advocate for business in town, I feel this is a crucial service the chamber can provide.”

The Town of Taber is responsive to the business needs of the community and does its best to address issues.

“Yes, in my opinion the Town continues to be an advocate for business, we face challenges like any other community however I feel the Town continues to seek feedback from local business to make changes where appropriate,” said Bell. “This feedback process is critical as we continue to grow and see an ever more diverse group of business and industries come to town.”

For Bell, Taber strikes the right balance between preserving small town spirit while embracing investment and industry.

“I feel Taber provides a small town feel with the amenities of a larger center. The community engagement we see is humbling, the people of Taber and surrounding MD’s go out of their way to support each other and build a sense of community. People are so willing to give back, they are constantly donating time and resources to causes that better the community as whole. In addition to this we have excellent recourses both private and public that can be accessed by business owners of all levels, the support structure in place is amazing.”

Work will soon be underway on a new chamber building, says Bell.

“Yes, we are getting close to starting our new facility which we are very excited about and we look forward to being able to provide additional space within the community to provide for its ever growing needs.”

“Taber continues to be an amazing place to live, I’ve had the privilege of calling Taber home my entire life,” said Bell. “I look forward to all of the exciting changes coming our way!”